The Roundup: Quotes on Today's Victory for Same-Sex Marriage in Connecticut

by Michael A. Jones

Published October 10, 2008 @ 07:31PM PT

Whether for or against, nearly everyone and their mother had something to say about today's Connecticut Supreme Court decision. The 4-3 decision overturned that state's ban on gay marriage, making Connecticut the third state in the union, behind Massachusetts and California, to recognize same-sex marriage rights.

Gay marriage will take effect in Connecticut starting on October 28, per the state's Attorney General, Richard Blumenthal.

Below you'll find ten of the best quotes and statements on today's victory in Connecticut. Know of another statement that isn't on here? Leave a message in the comments section, and I'll update as I can.

Oh, and one more interesting note that I haven't seen anyone else mention, but found pretty intriguing: the three states that have now legalized same-sex marriage - Massachusetts, California, and Connecticut - have all done so during the tenure of Republican governors (Romney, Schwarzenegger, and Rell). And though it was the courts, and not the governors, that broke the ground for marriage rights in all three states, that's still a pretty interesting statistic. To the statements!

Janet Peck, who along with her partner Carole Conklin, were among the plaintiffs in today's case (pictured above): “Carol and I have dreamed of being married for all of our 33 years together. I so look forward to the day when I take this woman's hand, look into her eyes and I pledge my deep love and support and commitment to her in marriage. For 33 years my heart has ached for that moment, and today I know that the ache is going to now be replaced with tremendous, wonderful joy, and that our love that we've felt for all these years will finally be complete.”

Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force: “This is a momentous victory for the people of Connecticut and all Americans who hold fairness as a fundamental value. The high court’s analysis comes down to this simple yet profound principle: All of Connecticut’s families deserve and need the protections, rights and responsibilities that support and sustain them, and should be treated equally under the law.”

Geoff Kors, Executive Committee Member for No On Proposition 8: “Today, another state recognized that same-sex couples have the fundamental right to marry. We believe - as do millions of our fellow Californians - that laws should not treat people differently, and we're thrilled that loving couples in Connecticut now have the same fundamental rights as everyone in California.”

Love Makes a Family: “Thanks to the Supreme Court's momentous decision in Kerrigan & Mock et al v. Department of Public Health, Connecticut is now a fairer, more equitable place for all. This historic ruling will provide additional security and respect to the thousands of loving, committed same-sex couples and their children living in our state.”

Bennett Klein, Attorney, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD): “Today’s victory fulfills the hopes and dreams of gay and lesbian families to live as full and equal citizens in Connecticut. Marriage is unparalleled in the dignity, respect, and protection it gives families.”

Joe Solmonese, Executive Director, Human Rights Campaign: “This is a very proud day for Connecticut and a very proud day for every American who believes in the promise of equal rights for all. The Connecticut Supreme Court recognized that gay and lesbian couples who form committed relationships and loving families deserve the same level of respect afforded to straight couples. The court did its job by making clear that the state constitution guarantees the same rights and protections for everyone. This decision strengthens Connecticut families.”

Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director, Family Equality Council: “In these unstable times, we cannot afford to grant some families more access to rights and benefits than others. Unfortunately, three states will vote on constitutional amendments to ban gay and lesbian couples from marrying this November. Arkansas will vote to allow child welfare professionals to decide what is in the best interest of children or ban all unmarried couples from fostering and adopting children without ever considering their qualifications as parents or the needs of children. As we enter the last few weeks of this historic election, Connecticut's decision is a welcome reminder that the spirit of justice and equality this country was founded on is alive and well.”

Jeff Lutes, Executive Director, SoulForce: "This momentous decision would not have been possible without the efforts of organizations such as GLAD (Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders) and Connecticut's Love Makes a Family. Today we salute their work and celebrate all the Connecticut couples and families who will now enjoy the same fundamental freedoms and legal protections as their neighbors.”

Gavin Newsom, Mayor of San Francisco: "Today, the Connecticut Supreme Court took an historic step by joining California and Massachusetts in the fight to provide marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples. The Court’s decision to overturn Connecticut’s ban on equal marriage rights indicates that all across the country, communities are reaching the conclusion that separate is not equal, and that we should not harm our friends, neighbors and coworkers by denying them equal treatment under the law."

Richard Blumenthal, Attorney General of Connecticut: “The state's highest court today ruled that Connecticut law limiting marriage to heterosexual couples violates the state constitutional guarantee of equal protection for all. The State Supreme Court is the ultimate authority on all state law, and its ruling on the state constitution must be respected.”